Embassy of the United States

PAO delivers lecture at the Institute of Business Management (IOBM) campus

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Karachi, July 9, 2009 – PAO Tracy Brown during the presentation on Study and Living in USA for the prospects students at the Institute of Business Management. Also seen in the picture Mr. Talib S. Karim, the Executive Director of IOBM.

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Karachi, July 9, 2009 – PAO Tracy Brown during the presentation on Study and Living in USA for the prospects students at the Institute of Business Management. Also seen in the picture Mr. Talib S. Karim, the Executive Director of IOBM.

On July 9, Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Tracy Brown visited the Campus of a key Karachi private University, the Institute of Business Management (IOBM). The visit began with a short meeting with senior faculty members in the office of Executive Director Talib Syed Karim. Faculty members discussed ways in which the USG might be of assistance in improving the quality of education in Pakistan. Specifically, they sought assistance in matching the Institute up with experts in the U.S. who would participate in DVC lectures and discussions on library development, IT consultants, curriculum development and arranging exchanges with American universities for professors and students. The PAO then presented a "Study in America" PowerPoint to an audience of 65, which included both graduate and undergraduate students of business management as well as faculty. The talk shared information about campus life in the U.S., how to go about choosing an educational institution, financial aid possibilities, and social and cultural interaction opportunities in and beyond the campus. A lively Q&A session followed the presentation, with several students seeking more information on the Fulbright Scholar program. A few of the faculty members, including the Executive Director, who were graduates of American universities, also shared their positive experiences in the U.S. with the audience. The Institute then screened a portion of President Obama's recent Speech to the Muslim World and invited audience members to share their thoughts and reactions to the President's message. One student said that he was heartened by the President's stance on nuclear weapons and looks forward to the day when no such weapons exist. Another said he believes that Obama had the ability to lead us to "rebuild burned bridges". A faculty member commented that the President is an example of wisdom as opposed to learning; many leaders are well-educated, but too few of them are wise. Obama's inclusivity shows wisdom. Executive Director Karim hosted a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, which included a three-story library and a student activity center, with a full exercise gym for students and faculty - the first of its kind in Pakistan.

The purpose of the lecture was to promote U.S. higher education in Pakistan, provide accurate and timely information, and promote Pakistani students to U.S. institutions and to improve the perception that the U.S. is a Pakistani-friendly destination for higher education. The lecture also dispelled any misinterpretations about the U.S. Visa issuance procedures and to encourage the students to receive quality higher education in the U.S.A. Discussion of the President's Speech to the Muslim World was a natural extension of the discussion of what America has to offer prospective students.